Gerald Shanabarger

Gerald's Story

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Gerald Shanabarger, 73, left this earth to join his parents for everlasting life with God at 6:11 p.m. Aug. 16, 2017.
Gerald, or Gary/Shanny as he liked to be called, lived in Howard County, but spent the biggest part of his life in Peru and enjoyed his employment as news director at WARU Radio in Peru, where in 1972, he received the Top Story of the Year award from UPI for his coverage of a skyjacking, when a skyjacker parachuted out of a plane over Miami County. Gerald was later a sergeant with the Miami County Sheriff's Department under Sheriffs Lowell Harmon and John Russie. He later retired as an over-the-road truck driver.
After retirement, Gerald enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends, and travelling. He also enjoyed his hobby of oil painting, and has left many paintings that will forever be enjoyed by family and others. His painting that he was most proud of, he titled "Tearful Jesus."
Gerald married Jewell Bendall in 1969. She preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughters, Diane (Marc) Mello, Fairlee, Vermont, Sherri (Bobby) Crawford, Troy, Texas, and Michelle (Robert) Shanabarger, Temple, Texas; six grandchildren; a sister and brother-in-law, Martha (Ray) Carter; brother, Richard Shanabarger and his partner in life, Mary Anna Acre; brother, Joe; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by one grandchild, Ronnie.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 W. Third St., Peru. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, at the funeral home with Pastor Rod Correll officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.flowersleedyallen.com.